Hillfort

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Rare sheep to conserve archaeology at Danebury

Danebury Hill is soon to welcome 80 sheep to graze back the rank grasses and scrub growth which threaten the fort's rare downland flowers, such as the burnt tip and frog orchids.

Hampshire County Council, which owns the site, has already cleared the trees from the ramparts of the fort, and is importing the sheep from the Isle of Man to prevent further scrub encroachment - protecting the archaeology and enhancing wildlife. Distinctive in colour, with a light brown fleece and chocolate brown face and legs, the Manx Loghtan sheep can negotiate the steep ramparts better than cattle and are well adapted for the forage available. A similar breed is likely to have grazed at Danebury Hill in Iron Age times. The Hampshire Grazing Project is a joint initiative between Hampshire County Council, The Environment Agency and English Nature that works to encourage appropriate grazing of conservation sites throughout the county.

On Saturday 29 May there will be a free 'Rampart Tramp' enlightening visitors about the fort's fascinating and grisly history. Guests from the Brigantia Iron Age Re-enactment Society will reveal how the Iron Age residents of Danebury really lived. It begins at 1pm - meet in the top car park.